Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bladder campion on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Bladder campion
Silene vulgaris, commonly known as Bladder Campion or Engsmelle, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, valued for its delicate white or pink flowers with inflated calyces resembling small bladders. It grows as a compact clump, ideal for rock gardens, path edges, or as a decorative wild plant in meadows. Its tender leaves are edible and used in salads or stews in some regions.
Native range
Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Care tips
Silene vulgaris thrives in full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soils, preferably calcareous and poor. It is drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it's better to under-water than over-water. It does not require regular fertilization and propagates easily from seeds.
How to save a dying Bladder campion
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, soft stems, poor or no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If potted, consider repotting with fresh substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or heavy, waterlogged soils, which easily rot its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted; act fast with good drainage and less water.